I have a 1995 Maxima with approximately 140,000 miles and is in great
overall condition.  The only non-routine maintaince done on it was a new
left & right front axel and a waterpump.  My exhaust sytem is all original.

I recently looked under the car and noticed the following:

1) One of the lids (???) on the front muffler has come away from the muffler
and is just riding on the exhaust pipe.  It looks like it had been glued to
the front muffler because the muffler has some sort of foam glue where the
lid was.
2) sections of the metal/insulation that was on the exhaust system pipe have
broken and fallen off.  I assume that it was for heat and/or sound
insulation.
3) A layer (???) of metal has corroded off of the rear muffler.

I had a Nissan dealership go over the car last week and they said my car was
fine.  I don't hear any exhaust problems so I assume for at least right now
my exhaust system is ok.

My questions:

When I finally do need a new exhaust system, do I get it done at my Nissan
dealership?  If so, approximately how much will it cost?  Will the replacent
last as long as the original exhaust sysytem?  In the past for my American
cars, it seems I needed my exhaust systems replaced by my local muffler
store (Midas, Monroe, etc.) every 2 years or so.  Usually the muffler was
fine but the exhaust pipes were corroded so I had to have the whole system
replaced.  If I get a Midas, Monroe (or similiar) exhaust system, should I
expect to also have it replaced every 2 years?  I've spoken to other 1995
Maxima owners, but none have had to replace their exhaust systems yet.
Thanks in advance to any responses to my questions.

xtx99@aol.com